"Authorities say the gunman entered the store and shot a woman, then turned the gun on himself. Officials say both the gunman and a female employee were pronounced dead.

"Their identities are not being released at this time.

"Witnesses [said] they heard four shots near the front of the store. Police said they do not have a motive, yet for the shooting.

"During the briefing, Ann Stephens, public information officer for the Apex PD, said 150 people were evacuated from the store and four people suffered minor injuries due to a `mass exodus.` The injured people were taken to WakeMed in Apex for treatment.

"Stephens said vehicles in the parking lot will not be released until investigators identified which vehicle belonged to the victim and the shooter. Police are still taking statements from people inside the store at the time. An area has been set-up outside the area where people can inquire about the family members that may have been inside the store at the time.

"The Super Target and Lowes Home Improvement stores remain closed for the rest of the day."

"NEW ALBANY, IN - Two people died after a shooting in a southern Indiana neighborhood. It happened on Greendale Road off of Green Valley Road in New Albany, Ind.

"A friend of the victim who owned the home [said] the homeowner was letting a woman stay at the house.

"According to the friend, the woman's ex-boyfriend kept coming over and started vandalizing the home and cars. Police said the ex-boyfriend returned and opened fire on Friday.

"Friends wiped away tears as they learned of the tragedy that occurred just minutes earlier.

"`(I heard) Four to six shots,` said Robert Arnold, a neighbor. `Come running out here. I was going to get some assistance to stop the shooter, but when I got here, they were dead.`

"According to the New Albany Police Department, the men were shot and killed just before 5:30 p.m. Friday. Police said the call initially was for a domestic dispute, but then, they got a report of shots fired.

"`It just happened so quick,` Arnold said.

"`It was chaos. The blonde-haired girl was laying on the ground screaming, 'call the police. Call 911. Call an ambulance.'`

"Help arrived a short time later, but it was too late. The two men were pronounced dead in the front yard."

Saturday, May 29, 2010

"CAPE CORAL, FL - Kelly Abrams had plans to leave her boyfriend. For him, breaking up apparently wasn’t an option.

"On Saturday, when the as-yet unnamed man learned of Abrams’ intentions, he left work and headed to the Cape Coral house the couple shared in the 2700 block of Southwest 2nd Lane. There, police say, he shot Abrams, 31, then took his own life.

"Witnesses told investigators the couple were arguing in a back bedroom of the home when Abrams’ boyfriend shot her.

"Capt. Lisa Barnes of the Cape Coral Police Department said Abrams’ two young children were in the house at the time, but they were in a separate room and weren’t injured. The children are staying with family members.

"Adult witnesses who also were in the house during the shooting called police, Barnes said.

"Investigators believe the two were in an argument when the man began to beat her with the hammer, according to initial reports. Police say he used the hammer and possibly other items, leaving her mortally wounded.

"Police say the man committed suicide by jumping from the south windows of their apartment, which face 25th Avenue Northwest."

Thursday, May 27, 2010

"DULUTH, MN - A husband and wife from Duluth were hospitalized on life support Thursday following what police were characterizing as an attempted murder-suicide case.

"Kay Marie Peterson, 50, suffered several gunshot wounds to the head; her husband, Michael William Peterson, 50, suffered a single gunshot wound to the head.

"Police said their early investigation has found that Michael Peterson was likely the shooter in the incident, which happened Wednesday afternoon at the couple's home in Duluth's Smithville neighborhood.

"It's too early to speculate about a motive, police added.

"A small caliber semi-automatic handgun was recovered at the scene that police said they believe was used in the shooting."

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

"BRYAN COUNTY, GA — Investigators said a man apparently shot his wife and set fire to his own home before killing himself.

"Deputies discovered two people dead in a burning home at 20500 Hwy 144 around 1:00 a.m. Tuesday.

"Bryan County Sheriff Clyde Smith said deputies were actually called to the home next door at 62 Smith Road on a report of someone firing shots at the home. That’s when deputies went next door and heard the smoke detector going off.

"The fire department was called in, and firefighters discovered the bodies of Jeffrey and Gail Minor in the bedroom.

"Smith said investigators determined that Minor shot his wife twice in the head with a handgun. He then apparently used an assault rifle to fire 10 shots at his neighbor’s home. Smith said Minor apparently went back into his home, ransacked it, then set fire to the home in 2 places before shooting and killing himself in the same bed where his wife’s body was.

"Investigators said they do not know what prompted the incident. Smith said deputies had never been called to the home before, and there was no history of any altercation between the Minors and their neighbors."

"Then, early Monday morning, the victim, a 39-year-old man, woke up on a couch to find himself bleeding from the neck and his 32-year-old roommate standing over him with a 10- to 12-inch kitchen knife, Sgt. Kevin Young said.

"There was a struggle and the stabbing victim asked his roommate to drive him to the hospital but the roommate refused and instead left in the victim's red Volkswagen Jetta, Young said.

"The injured man suffered deep wounds to the neck and throat and was transferred to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital. He is expected to survive, Young said.

"Investigators recovered the kitchen knife near the couch.

"Police broadcast an alert about the suspect and a Sonoma County sheriff's helicopter crew spotted the Volkswagen on a ranch south of Squaw Rock just inside the Mendocino County line, sheriff's Sgt. Dave Thompson said.

"The body of a man who matched the description of the stabbing suspect was found nearby in rocky, rugged terrain at the base of a 65-foot cliff just west of U.S. Highway 101, Thompson said.

"A deputy and a paramedic were lowered on a long-line to recover the body, which was turned over to the Mendocino County coroner's office for an autopsy.

"Police are investigating the incident as an attempted murder and possible suicide, Young said."

Sunday, May 23, 2010

"NAPOLEONVILLE, LA - The Assumption Parish Sheriff's Department is currently investigating what appears to be a murder-suicide in Napoleonville.

"Authorities were called out to the Lakeview Inn Bar at Attakapas Landing on Sunday, shortly after midnight. When Sheriff's arrived they found the bodies of 50-year-old Gary Leblanc and his estranged wife 44-year-old Jennifer Leblanc. Witnesses report that Mr. Leblanc entered the bar and shot his wife multiple times, then turned the gun on himself.

"Records from the Assumption Parish Sheriff's Office indicate the Leblanc's had a troubled marriage and had a history of domestic disputes."

"Nashville police spokeswoman Kristin Mumford says 38-year-old Xavier Kidd used a .25 caliber semiautomatic handgun to kill 29-year-old Jarmille Toran in front of two children, ages 8 and 11, who were not injured. Kidd's estranged wife, 31-year-old Renee Kidd, was shot in the hand as she tried to subdue Xavier Kidd.

"Mumford said Xavier Kidd shot himself in the head as officers tried to disarm him. Xavier Kidd died from a gunshot wound to the head. Toran died at the scene after being shot in the side and in the upper torso.

"Renee Kidd was treated for her gunshot wound and released.

"Xavier Kidd had been ordered to stay away from his estranged wife's home and was free on $31,000 bond at the time of the shootings."

"SPRING LAKE, NC — The Harnett County Sheriff's Office responded Saturday morning to a call about deceased persons who neighbors say were killed in a murder-suicide.

"Maj. Gary McNeill declined to release details but confirmed that the sheriff's office was conducting a death investigation at 12665 N.C. Highway 210 South, north of Spring Lake. He said deputies responded to a 911 call saying there were deceased people in the home.

"Jimmy Thompson, who was sobbing at the scene, [said] that the victims were his parents, Carol and James Thompson, and his brother, Richard Thompson, who was in his early 20s.

"His friend, Shannon Thompson, said they found the bodies inside the home and called 911. A gun was in Richard Thompson's hand, she said. Neighbors described the deaths as a murder-suicide.

"Shannon Thompson said she and Jimmy Thompson were riding into town and stopped by his parents' because he needed money.

"`Jimmy told me he'd be right back, and he walked into the house, and next thing you know, two to three minutes later, he's screaming my name, 'Shannon, Shannon, Shannon. My brother killed my family,'` said Shannon Thompson, who his not related to the family.

"`I ran in the house with him. I turned to my right and saw his brother on the bed.`"

"James Thompson was also dead in the bedroom, and Carolyn Thompson was in the living room, she said.

"Shannon Thompson said she doesn't know much about Richard Thompson, but he was living with his parents.

"`He was a funny person, cool person to hang out with,` she said.

"Finding the bodies of her friend's parents and brother will haunt her, she said.

"`It plays back in your head, over and over. You never forget something like that,` Shannon Thompson said."

"SAN JOSE, CA - San Jose police are investigating what they believe is a murder-suicide, after a man and a woman were found shot to death in an Alum Rock home.

"Before special operations officers searched the home and found their bodies, officers had evacuated the neighborhood and cut off traffic from South Capitol Avenue near Rose Avenue, tangling afternoon traffic on the busy thoroughfare.

"The bodies were found inside a two-story townhouse in the 100 block of Rose Lane near South Capitol Avenue. Police did not immediately identify the dead.

"But sources said the dead man, and probable shooter, was Shon Box, 40, and that he had been dating the woman for a short time.

"The initial call came in to police at 11:47 a.m. Wednesday regarding a "weapons disturbance," police spokesman Sgt. Ronnie Lopez said. Sources said the dead woman's roommate told police that a man was in her home with a gun and that her roommate had barricaded herself in a bathroom. When police arrived, an officer saw the man through a window with the weapon aimed at his own head, and later heard multiple gunshots.

"Joselle Martinez, who lives nearby, said she woke up with a start from a nap to hear what sounded like shots.

"`I jumped,` Martinez said. `Then my friend called me up to tell me to get out of there, there is a hostage situation. I was like 'No way!'`

"Martinez got out to join the crowds gathered around the police perimeter, which stretched in a wide swath around the small residential neighborhood to make sure no one was struck by stray gunshots.

"After attempts to contact the man and woman were unsuccessful, SWAT officers — using `flash bang` explosives — made their way into the home. They found the bodies on the second floor, which they confirmed to reporters about 3:30 p.m."

"Family members told investigators that the couple separated several months ago and were going through divorce proceedings, May said. He added documents related to the court proceedings were found in a vehicle at the Fire Department's parking lot.

"The couple was married for about 13 years, family members told sheriff's investigators.

"`We're having autopsies done on both individuals and we'll know for sure if this was a domestic shooting between the two,` May said. `At this point, we're starting with that theory based on evidence found at the scene and from conversations with the family.`"

"CHICAGO, IL - An estranged husband angry over a potential divorce told a group of children to go upstairs before he allegedly shot his wife and her friend in the head in the kitchen of her Southwest Side home and then shot himself in her bedroom, police said.

"The shooting that fatally wounded two men and a woman happened about 10:15 p.m. on the 4200 block of West 55th Street, said police News Affairs Officer Hector Alfaro. Police are investigating the case as a murder-suicide.

"The gunman went down to the basement of his estranged wife’s one-story house and sent a group of children, all under age 12, to go upstairs to the main floor. None of the children were eye-witnesses to the shooting, although were interviewed by family and the gunman did not live there, police said.

"Apparently angry over a break up and potential divorce, the man shot his wife and then the adult male friend -- both once in the head -- in the kitchen before heading to her bedroom to shot himself once in the chest and head, police said. All three were found in pools of blood in the basement.

"It was unclear if the wife and friend had a romantic relationship. The gunman did not live at the home."

"BOULDER, CO - Police are investigating the deaths of three people who were shot to death inside a family-owned business in Boulder Monday morning.

"Police say officers responded to a report of multiple shots fired at Boulder Stove & Flooring, located at 2887 30th St., shortly after 11 a.m. When they arrived, they found the doors to business unlocked and three bodies, two adult males and one female, on the floor.

"All three had sustained gunshot wounds.

"Boulder Police spokeswoman Sarah Huntley said there were no reports of a suspect or suspects leaving the scene, raising the possibility that investigators were dealing with a case of murder-suicide.

"`I don't believe there was any obvious sign of (robbery),` Huntley said. `It does not appear there is an immediate public safety risk beyond this building.`

"PECKS MILL, WV - Police received a call around 11:38 a.m. May 16 about a possible shooting on Pond Drive at Pecks Mill in Logan County, according to a news release from the Logan County Sheriff's Office.

"When police arrived, they discovered a female lying in the driveway of the residence near a vehicle. The female told law enforcement that Michael Deckard had shot her. LEASA EMS crew gave aid to the female as law enforcement secured the area so she could be transported for treatment, according to the news release.

"Officers entered the residence and found a deceased male lying on the floor in the dining room, according to the news release. The male was identified as Michael Deckard, 59, of Pecks Mill, and was pronounced dead at the scene. Officers also found a 12 gauge shotgun in the residence.

"The female was identified as Stacey Hensley, 31, of Chapmanville. She later died at CAMC General Hospital.

"Both bodies have been transported to the Medical Examiner's Office in Charleston.

"Police believe that evidence points to a murder/suicide, according to Cpl. B. D. Cobb and Deputy S. D. Townsend.

"HOUMA, LA - A Houma man shot his girlfriend and then killed himself in front of her parents Sunday, Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's deputies said.

"Deputies said Jerome Williams, 28, had been fighting with his live-in girlfriend, 28-year-old Jennifer Lucas, at their apartment on Stones Thrown Drive. Lucas left the apartment and returned later with her parents so she could get some of her belongings, deputies said.

"Williams briefly left the apartment and began walking in a nearby field. When he returned, he began fighting with Lucas again, investigators said.

"Lucas' mother left the apartment to get Lucas' father, and while she was gone, Williams shot Lucas, deputies said.

"Shortly afterward, Lucas' parents returned to the apartment not knowing their daughter had been shot. Williams allegedly threatened to kill them before putting the gun to his own head, investigators said.

"Lucas was in stable condition at a hospital as of Monday morning. Deputies said Lucas was coherent and talking after her injury."

Sunday, May 16, 2010

"TUCSON, AZ - Tucson police spokesman Chuck Rydzak said the two Tucsonans who died in an altercation Saturday night were killed with a rifle. He identified them as Maria G. Torres, 53, and Hector A. Torres, 56.

"Rydzak said as police were responding to the area at 5:50 p.m., "several citizens called 911 and intervened, causing the male suspect to leave the area. The suspect quickly returned minutes later armed with a rifle. He shot the female multiple times before turning the gun on himself, taking his life as well."

"When officers arrived, they found both individuals dead in the roadway.

"`The detectives were able to determine Ms. Torres and Mr. Torres were married, however they had been separated. The altercation began at a residence near 10200 East Falcon Point Drive, but the cause or reason for the altercation is unknown,` he said in a Sunday morning news release."

"COLLIER COUNTY, FL - The Collier County Sheriff's Office is investigating an apparent murder/suicide of a man and a woman whose bodies were found at their Naples Park home Saturday night.

"The bodies of James Payne, 56, and a 47-year-old-woman were discovered at 646 108th Ave. N. around 6:30 p.m. after attempts to contact them had been unsuccessful by their landlord. The landlord let himself into the home where the two were found shot to death.

"The deaths are being investigated as an apparent murder/suicide, investigators said.

"GIG HARBOR, WA - A SWAT team found multiple weapons inside the home of a Pierce County sheriff's deputy who shot his wife's parents to death Friday evening then turned the gun on himself after an hours-long standoff.

"SWAT team members reported that 49-year-old Pierce County Deputy Allen Myron was dead when they entered the house several hours after the standoff began, Tacoma police Detective Gretchen Aguirre said.

"She said the SWAT team surrounding the house heard a single gunshot around 9:45 p.m. Friday, roughly three hours after Myron shot his mother- and father-in-law dead at the house.

"The SWAT team later entered the home, methodically searching from room to room. At about 1:50 a.m. Saturday, the team found the deputy's body with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

"Aguirre said Myron had barricaded himself inside a back bedroom of the home, located in the 10000 block of 58th St. NW, in a quiet, wooded neighborhood near the entrance to Kopachuck State Park.

"Two of the deputy's children - a 15-year-old daughter and a teenage son - had been trapped in the house, but Myron allowed them to leave at about 9 p.m., during the height of the standoff, Aguirre said.

"Myron's wife was not present during the shooting. Authorities said she is OK, at an undisclosed location.

"The first hint of trouble came when the mother-in-law called 911 at 6:48 p.m. Friday to say she'd been shot, then crawled out of the house and into nearby woods.

"Police negotiators and medics rushed to the scene, along with the SWAT team and other law enforcement personnel.

"Some nearby homes were evacuated, and the mother-in-law was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle with a gunshot wound to the chest. She later died of her injuries.

"During the standoff, the armed deputy, who could be seen through a window above the garage of the home, was communicating with SWAT team members, investigators said. All went silent after the lone gunshot was heard at 9:45 p.m.

"Sheriff's spokesman Ed Troyer said the body of the father-in-law was in the house. Neither of the in-laws was immediately identified.

"Myron, an 11-year sheriff's department veteran, had been on medical light duty for a year and a half and was cleared to come back to work three months ago, Troyer said, adding he did not have more details.

"Tacoma police were handling the investigation because it involves a Pierce County officer.

"The circumstances leading up to the shooting were not immediately clear.

Saturday, May 15, 2010

"LUVERNE, MN - A father and his adult son are dead in southwestern Minnesota after what authorities believe was a murder-suicide.

"At about 12:30 p.m. Friday, Rock County sheriff's deputies were called for a welfare check to the Luverne home of William Hiney, Jr., 65, and his son Terry Hiney, 45. Officers found the men dead in the house.

"The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is assisting the Sheriff's Office in the investigation, and autopsies will be conducted by the Ramsey County medical examiner.

"Authorities said they are not looking for any suspects, and a dispatcher confirmed that the deaths appeared to have been a murder-suicide, adding that it appears that the father shot the son, then himself."

"ORLANDO, FL - Police are investigating a possible murder-suicide involving two people found dead at an Orlando apartment complex on Friday night.

"Officers found one body outside a building at the Walden Palms apartments, in the 4700 block of Walden Circle. Another body was found inside a residence about 11 p.m. Police are not searching for suspects in the case.

"On Saturday morning, the entrance to the complex was blocked off with yellow crime-scene tape.

"NORTH MIAMI BEACH, FL - A woman was shot to death in North Miami Beach and police say it was a case of murder suicide.

"Wanda Faria, 44, was found dead Friday afternoon by her current boyfriend who found her lying on the floor of their apartment. Next to Faria was her former boyfriend – also lying dead. Police say he couldn't get over their recent break up.

"The former boyfriend and the man police believe shot her and then shot himself was identified as 30-year-old Jorge Velez. Four months ago, police said Faria had moved out of the home they shared in the Village of Biscayne Park.

"Police said when Velez showed up at Faria's door on the 900 block of Northeast 133rd Street Friday afternoon he was armed with a .32 caliber gun. Police said he shot Faria and then shot himself. Velez had made comments to others that he did not want to live without Faria and was considering suicide, North Miami Beach police said."

"MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA - Two people were found shot to death inside a Mountain View dry cleaning business Friday morning, police said.

"Police released few details about the crime and said it was unclear whether it was a double homicide or a murder-suicide. People at nearby businesses, though, said they had heard reports that the deceased were the divorced owners of the dry cleaning shop, and that the man had shot his ex-wife before turning the gun on himself.

"Authorities were called to Vogue Cleaners at 595 Escuela Ave. about 6:45 a.m. Friday, according to police spokeswoman Liz Wylie. An employee found a Korean man in his 70s and a Korean woman in her 60s dead inside the store just after arriving at work. Both appeared to have died from gunshot wounds, Wylie said, and a handgun was recovered from the scene.

"`Definitely we're developing some evidence that it could be a murder-suicide,` Wylie said."

"Police said a homeowner arrived early this morning at his rental house. Officials said that after an altercation, the homeowner shot the tenant, who was rushed to Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital where he later died.

"Police said the homeowner later fatally shot himself.

"It’s unclear what the altercation was about. A third person was at the home at the time of the shooting, but was not injured.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

"SUWANEE, GA — Suwanee police are investigating what’s been ruled a double-homicide and suicide after three bodies were found in an apartment complex Tuesday night.

"Police responded to a report of shots fired about 8:25 p.m. at the AMLI at McGinnis Ferry apartments in the 4000 block of its namesake road. Witnesses reported hearing three or four shots, police said.

"Inside the apartment, police found the bodies of Kenneth Michael Turner, 40, of Lawrenceville, his estranged girlfriend Tiffany Hulsey, 24, and a Dacula woman police believe was staying at the apartment, Deanna Griffin, 36.

"Evidence collected at the scene suggests Turner kicked in the door and immediately opened fire on the women, before turning the gun on himself, said Suwanee police spokesman Capt. Clyde Byers.

"The bodies were found in close proximity to each other in a living room, Byers said.

"Police were continuing to conduct interviews this morning and establish a timeline for each person involved.

"`I think when (Turner) showed up, he just went straight in` and opened fire, Byers said. `There wasn’t any arguing or anything.`

"FREMONT, CA - A 33-year-old woman and her 4-month-old daughter died late Tuesday night in a house fire, believed to be a gruesome murder-suicide, authorities said.

"Fayyaz Khan, a neighbor, [said] that one of the two young girls who lived in the home came running out of the house in the 4000 block of Leonato Way at around 6 p.m. and alerted another neighbor with her cries for help.

"`The neighbor told me the daughter was playing inside the house and she came running out,` Khan said. `She told the neighbor the house was on fire. The neighbor ran inside the home… She saw the smoke and tried to open the door but it was locked.`

"Khan said the unidentified neighbor feared for her own life and raced outside to call 911.

"A dispatcher with the Fremont Fire Department confirmed that units responded to reports of the blaze at a residence at around 6 p.m.

"Police Sgt. Chris Mazzone said arriving firefighters saw smoke coming from an upstairs bedroom and forced entry into the room, where they found the two victims deceased.

"The husband was not at home at the time of blaze but arrived shortly after the flames were extinguished.

"Fremont Police Lt. Mark Devine said four detectives, including two homicide investigators, were at the home overnight.

"The next morning, investigators reported that the mother committed murder-suicide by locking the bedroom door from the inside and starting a fire."

"Beijing, China - Seven children and two adults at a kindergarten were hacked to death Wednesday while 11 students sustained injuries in a frenzied attack in China's Shaanxi province. The attacker later committed suicide.

"A 48-year-old villager, identified as Wu Huanming, hacked to death five boys, two girls and the kindergarten owner-cum-teacher, Wu Hongying, using a kitchen meat knife at around 8 a.m. local time Wednesday at a privately-run kindergarten in Linchang village in Nanzheng County, Xinhua quoted officials of the Shaanxi Provincial Emergency Response Office as saying.

"Wu Hongying's mother, who was injured in the attack, died in hospital later Wednesday, an official said, adding that 11 children were also injured in the gruesome attack and have been admitted at a hospital.

"The attacker, Wu Huanming, returned home after the killings and committed suicide, they said. His motive for the attack was not immediately known.

"The government has asked local authorities to strengthen security in schools in the province.

"This was the fifth attack in kindergartens and primary schools in China since March."

"BRIDGER, MT - Two men are dead after a shooting in Bridger Monday night. Carbon county officials said 19-year-old Joshua Brown of Red Lodge shot 20-year-old Ryan Webster and then committed suicide shortly thereafter.

"Webster family representatives said Ryan was `shot over a girl,` and that Ryan was dating Joshua's ex-girlfriend. They said Ryan's mother and roommate were present when the suspect shot him multiple times.

"Police said the shooting happened at Webster's home and occurred around seven o'clock Monday night. Law enforcement received warrants to search the home and vehicles at the crime scene shortly before five o'clock Tuesday.

"Ryan graduated from Bridger High School just a few years ago, and administrators said an event like this rocks the community. The school brought-in extra-counselors Tuesday. `It's very difficult for the students, for the staff, for all involved,` said Bridger Schools Superintendent John Ballard.

"The Bridger Police Department, Carbon County Sheriff's Office and state investigators are continuing their joint investigation into the deaths."

"NORTH HAVEN, CT - Police are classifying a double shooting at a Pleasant Drive residence Monday as a murder-suicide.

"North Haven police responded to a 911 call at 2 Pleasant Drive at about 3:30 p.m. Monday to find two victims of gunshot wounds: Joan Vanacore, 70, and her husband, Thomas Vanacore, 73.

"Joan Vanacore was pronounced dead at the scene. Thomas Vanacore was taken to Yale-New Haven Hospital, according to Detective Capt. James Merrithew, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

"Police were notified of the shootings by a visiting nurse employed at the residence. `She had just left for twenty minutes to run some errands,` Merrithew said, `and she returned home to find both victims.`

"According to police, evidence at the scene suggested that Thomas Vanacore shot his wife then turned the weapon, a revolver, on himself.

"`We're calling it a murder-suicide and it will be definitively determined by the state coroner after autopsy,` Merrithew said.

"Autopsies are scheduled for today by the state medical examiner's office. State police are also assisting with the investigation.

"Merrithew said `there were medical issues` the couple was dealing with."

Monday, May 10, 2010

"ST. ALBANS, WV - Two people were found dead inside a home near St. Albans.

"Kanawha Metro 911 dispatchers said the two were found at a home in the 60 block of Sitting Bull Drive about 4 p.m. Monday. Sitting Bull Drive is just off Geronimo Drive near Coal River Road outside of St. Albans.

"Dispatchers said two people were found with gunshot wounds and pronounced dead at the scene. They said it is a possible murder-suicide.

"BREA, CA - The case of a 63-year-old man found shot to death in his Orange County home appears to have been resolved with the suicide of a woman who had dated him, Brea police said Monday.

"Beth Q. Jia, 53, of Alhambra, suffered a single self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head Sunday evening after detectives stopped her vehicle, Brea Police Chief Billy L. Hutchinson said in a statement.

"She had been identified by police as a `possible suspect` in the man’s slaying. In a recent search of her home, police had seized ammunition and other materials `consistent with evidence located at the homicide scene,` Hutchinson said.

"Jia and the unidentified man had been in a `dating relationship,` and police suspect a domestic motive in his murder, said Sgt. Bill Smyser, a Brea police spokesman. The man’s identity will not be released until his family is notified, Smyser said.

"Investigators went to an apartment complex Sunday night in El Monte where Jia had been staying. She walked out about 8 p.m., got into her car and began to drive away, when detectives stopped her. Officers then heard a single gunshot.

"The .38-caliber revolver recovered at the scene was registered to Jia and was the same caliber handgun used in the man's slaying, police said."

"WALTON, NY – An apparent murder-suicide shooting Sunday night at 32 Union Street in the village of Walton is being investigated by the Walton Police Department in conjunction with the state police and the Delaware County Sheriff’s Department, Walton Police Officer Brian Laauser said today.

"The shootings occurred at about 10 p.m. Sunday, police said. Daisy Schultz, 65, of Walton, and Richard Utter, 74, of Norwich, died as a result, police said.

"Delaware County District Attorney Richard Northrup said he was called and went to the scene, but added that there is no indication that there is anything about the shooting that will involve a prosecution.

"Northrup said Utter shot Schultz and then shot himself.

"Louella Rogers, who lives at 34 Union Street, said she was home but neither she nor her son, Terry Rogers, heard or saw anything.

"Laauser said the investigation is continuing and more information will be released when it becomes available."

"The emergency call about shootings at the hospital came in at 1:23 p.m., Coleman said. He said there were no eyewitnesses to the shootings, which took place in the main hospital building on the fifth floor. Someone on the hospital staff heard gunshots, found the victims and then called police.

"Police responded to the scene regarding a domestic dispute and found the door to the apartment ajar. Inside, Pietro said officers saw a female victim lying in a pool of blood. He said a male victim was also found inside the apartment.

"On Sunday, a green sticker marked `coroner's seal` was on the door outside the second floor apartment, just above a silver helium `Happy Mother's Day` balloon and an assortment of flowers.

"Neighbors ... reported hearing at least one gunshot, followed by a woman screaming and more gunshots.

"One woman who asked to remain anonymous said the female victim was a friendly person who had many children. `Everybody knew her,` she said. `She got along with everyone over here.`"

"There they found a man and a woman, both in their 60's dead of a gunshot wound.

"The couple's daughter and son live at the home. Two other young cousins spent Saturday night with their grandparents. The daughter and all three children were in the home at the time of the shooting but didn't know anything had happened until the daughter discovered her parents shot to death, according to police.

"Investigators say the couple was found in their bedroom with a handgun between them.

"`I cried all the way home...it’s kind of hard to cry and drive,` said Crystal Cummings. Cummings is a neighbor of the couple and says the woman found dead was like a `second mother` to her.

"`She was the nicest person you could ever meet,` said Cummings. `And (her husband)...I really didn't know him too well because he was always at work and he got laid off recently he just couldn’t handle not working.`

"Police are focusing on the crime scene to try to determine if this was a murder/suicide or something stranger. They're focusing on the number of shots fired in the bedroom. `Just the condition of some of the evidence in the room, we have to wait to see how that turns out because we haven't processed anything at this time,` said Sgt. Troy Nedbalek.

"Police are hoping to have more answers Monday morning at their daily press briefing."

"HOUSTON, TX - Investigators say an attempted murder-suicide led to a SWAT standoff in the upscale Southampton neighborhood, and it ended with a woman dead, allegedly shot by her husband.

"Officers say a holdup alarm brought them out to the home on Tangley and Wilton near Rice University Saturday evening. Houston police told us a man shot and killed his wife and barricaded himself in the home. A SWAT team came out and tried to get the man to surrender.

"After several hours, the man shot himself. He survived, but officers would not say how seriously he was injured. At this point, the identities of the couple are not being released."

"Officers were called to a neighborhood near Sandhill and Twain avenues about 3:55 p.m. after a report of a deceased woman inside a home, according to Metropolitan Police Department Lt. Steve Herpolsheimer. Officers found the body and when checking the rest of the residence in the 3800 block of Catamaran Circle, discovered a man inside the garage with a gunshot wound to the head.

"The man, who showed signs of life when he was found, died in the ambulance en route to the hospital.

"Herpolsheimer said both the man and woman appeared to be in their 40s. He said it appears to be a murder-suicide, but the relationship between the two is unknown.

"`There were two people dead inside the house,` Herpolsheimer said. `We assume they may know each other but until we complete the investigation, we don't know.`"

Saturday, May 8, 2010

"APOPKA, FL - A white female was shot and killed in Apopka overnight in what Orange County sheriff’s detectives believe could have stemmed from an going dispute with a neighbor, the suspect. After fleeing the victim’s home, the suspect returned to his house where detectives say he turned the gun on himself, committing suicide.

"According to OCSO:

"At approximately 8:19 pm, on May 7th, sheriff’s deputies arrived at 724 East 9th street in Apopka in response to a call that gunfire was heard in the area, coming from an identified residence. As deputies continued to deploy and receive information with reference to the gunfire and where is it was coming from, they discovered a deceased white female, 44 years. They secured the area as a crime scene.

"Deputies believe that the shooting could have resulted from an ongoing dispute with another neighbor, the shooter.

"Deputies obtained information from residents in the area on what was seen or heard in order to establish the presence of any suspect.

"Around 1:15 am, early this morning on May 8th, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office HRIC, after exhausting repeated attempts to make contact with the suspect, authorized SWAT Unit deployment and action to determine if the white male suspect was located at 708 9th Street. This was the suspect’s residence and according to witness statements the one he had fled to, after he was seen fleeing from the shooting scene at 724 9th street.

"724 9th street is where deputies had previously located the deceased 44-year-old White female.

"Detectives breached the front door of the suspect’s home where they found a 53-year-old white male without vital signs and deceased due to what appeared to be a suicide by firearm. Shortly thereafter, homicide investigators assumed the responsibility for the investigation, along with the Forensics Unit and other specialty assistance.

"The victim is Pamela Farmer, 44 years. The suspect is: Randall T. Wright, 54 years.

"WEST PLAINS, MO - Three people died after gunshots rang out at a home in Howell County on Thursday afternoon. It was in a rural area but several other homes were nearby. The Howell County Sheriff's Department and Missouri State Highway Patrol were at the crime scene on on Missouri 17 just north of West Plains. Three people died in the yard of a home, and investigators say it was a double murder and a suicide.

"Law enforcement rushed to the home about 4:30.

"`We had a call from a neighbor next door to where this incident occurred,` said Sgt. Marty Elmore, a spokesman the Missouri State Highway Patrol's Troop G based in Willow Springs.

"Christopher Ryan was inside his home when he heard the first gunshot.

"`So I came out here, and that's when I saw the guy shooting the woman,` said Ryan.

"Ryan was one of at least two neighbors who called 911 to report the shooting outside the home of his landlord, co-worker and friend, Jerry Willis.

"`When I came out here, I didn't see him. All I saw was the guy chasing Ann around. After all that was over, that's when I seen Jerry, because he put another one in him,` said Ryan.

"Jerry Willis, 69, and Elizabeth Ann Palangi, 43, both of West Plains, were both killed. Law enforcement officers say the shooter, Kerry Palangi, 45, then apparently turned the rifle on himself.

"The Palangis were separated, and friends say Willis was trying to help Mrs. Palangi and her children.

"`I think it was a case of, 'If I can't have you, nobody will,'` said Ryan."

"CHICAGO, IL - A man shot and killed an Old Navy employee and turned his gun on himself inside the clothing store’s Loop location this morning, an apparent murder-suicide that left customers and employees scrambling into traffic on State Street, sources said.

"A source said the gunman shot the woman multiple times before shooting himself in an employee-only area of the store’s basement. No one else was hurt.

"The dead were said to be in their 20s. No names have been released.

"`He just came in and got her, shot her,` a shocked employee standing outside the store on State Street said.

"`Oh my god, I just talked to her this morning. I just talked to her,` another employee wailed.

"The shooting is being investigated as a domestic-related murder-suicide. Early reports suggested that the dead man and women were dating."

Thursday, May 6, 2010

"LAKE MARY, FL - Seminole County investigators say a husband and wife were gunned down this morning in their Lake Mary neighborhood and the shooter was her ex-husband.

"Lt. Jim Clark with the sheriff's office says 59-year-old John Marshall rode a scooter to a home on Holbrook Circle near S. Sundance Drive and opened fire on Orval Burkhart, 59, chasing him down the street before two bullets found their mark.

"Marshall's ex-wife, Dale Leigh Burkhart, 54, was returning home when she saw what happened and tried to flee in her car, but was shot to death behind the wheel.

"Marshall then shot himself with a 9 mm pistol, dying ten feet from his wife's car, Clark said.

"Stunned neighbors witnessed the violence.

"A child who lives at the home was in school when the gunfire broke out around 7:30 Thursday morning,

"Detectives are still investigating a possible motive, but a close neighbor said it involved unpaid child support.

"The sheriff's office released frantic 911 calls from the incident Thursday afternoon. Seven different neighbors called after hearing gunshots.

"`There is a guy with a gun who just shot someone in front of my house,` said one terrified caller."

"GRIFFIN, GA - Two Pike County residents are dead in what may be a murder/suicide. The married couple was found dead inside a home at 758 Hemphill Road Wednesday.

"Pike County sheriffs deputies were called to the house around 2 p.m. Wednesday in reference to an unresponsive person. Pike County coroner Terrell Moody said two people died from gunshot wounds at the house.

"Sheriff's deputies found Tiffany Shannon Dunn, 42, in the basement of the residence and after searching the remainder of the home found Dr. Walter Larry Dunn in an upstairs bedroom. Pike County investigators and the GBI crime scene unit gathered numerous pieces of evidence that indicate a murder/suicide occurred.

"`It appears that it was a murder/suicide but we are still investigating,` Moody said. `We are pretty certain a hand gun was used but we will definitely know after the autopsy.`

"An autopsy of the bodies is scheduled for Thursday afternoon at the GBI crime lab.

"Dr. Dunn was a veteran in the field of adult education and longtime faculty member at Griffin Tech."

"Detectives learned Munguia and Lopez had gotten into an argument, at which time Munguia called a family member who lived nearby to come to the home, the release said. When the family member arrived she found the bodies, according to the release.

"The couple, who were boyfriend and girlfriend, had two children together."

"BEVERLY HILLS, CA - A man and his wife were found dead Tuesday afternoon in their Beverly Hills home in an apparent murder-suicide, police said.

"The bodies were found by officers about 1:30 p.m. in the 400 block of South Swall Drive, the Beverly Hills Police Department said. The officers were responding to a `welfare check` in the neighborhood near Olympic Boulevard.

"`All indications are showing that this couple were the victims of a murder-suicide,` Sgt. Renato Moreno said. `There is no threat to the community.`

"Detectives were still at the home Tuesday evening and had not determined what sparked the violence, police said. The names of the victims have yet to be released pending notification of relatives."

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Abstract

"Murder-suicide is an act in which the perpetrator of a homicide kills him or herself after killing the victim(s). Rates of murder-suicide are fairly consistent across communities and are much lower than rates for homicide or suicide. The most common murder-suicide scenario involves a White male perpetrator in his 40s who kills his estranged spouse and perhaps his children before killing himself. The three most common categories of murder-suicide are cases in which (1) the act is caused by jealously or concern about age or illness; (2) the act is perpetrated by a parent who kills all of the children and then themselves; and (3) the act involves disgruntled employees, cult members, or members of religious or political groups who target a large number of victims before committing suicide. "